Gathering OK if without guns, Toledo official says

Advocates of the state's concealed-carry law can gather at Toledo's Ottawa Park next week, even though the event's organizer does not have a permit.

Bruce Beatty does not need a permit as long as it remains a small gathering April 9, city Law Director Barb Herring said. Still, Mr. Beatty's plan to carry his 45-caliber, semi-automatic handgun to the park won't be tolerated, she and others said.

"We want to be sure that our citizens feel safe in the parks. If need be, we will provide an appropriate response," Mayor Jack Ford said in a written statement.

Mr. Beatty, a project engineer for an industrial compressor firm, wants to draw attention to Toledo's ban on guns in city parks. It is similar to a ban in Clyde, Ohio, where concealed-carry advocates have sued, saying its ban conflicts with the state law.

Attorney General Jim Petro has backed the constitutionality of the state law.